Where to stay in Brooklyn

Exploring Brooklyn

You can't think of New York's Brooklyn without picturing the grand Brooklyn Bridge, which spans East River, and has played a starring role in countless films – from Annie Hall to Cloverfield. Brooklyn is the Big Apple's largest borough and, as such, is full of surprises. Discover the beauty of the lily-pad blanketed lake at Green-Wood Cemetery or see the peeling paint of colorful murals on a section of the Berlin Wall at Madison Avenue. Brooklyn would be North America's 4th largest city by population if it split from New York, and its size - and blend of cultures - means it is has a distinct personality that has to be experienced to be understood.

Things to see

For a suitably grand introduction to Brooklyn, make a beeline for Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Grab a wedge of cheese smothered Brooklyn pizza, and let the spectacular views of Manhattan's glittering skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge all wash over you. Coney Island is another of Brooklyn's instantly recognizable landmarks, and a spot where you can relax on the beach or leave your stomach behind while plummeting on the iconic rides in Luna Park. Get an authentic taste of Brooklyn by biting into sinful, but delicious, deep-fried Oreos, before polishing off a famous Coney Island hotdog - cooked in the very location where they were first introduced to America. From the timber boardwalk, to the wooden rollercoasters and slowly spinning Ferris wheels, Coney Island's attractions hark back nostalgically to a charming bygone era. Modern New York is a big, bustling city, but you can find respite from the sea of high-rise buildings at Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Water trickles lazily over rocks in the Japanese Garden, while a pink-tinged coat covers the trees in spring, as the park's cherry blossoms bloom into life.

Hotels in
Brooklyn

Take in panoramic views of tiny boats navigating the wide river – back dropped by Lower Manhattan's skyscrapers - as you roll out of your Brooklyn hotel bed. Designer and celebrity-endorsed accommodation can give you a taste of the high life, with glowing mirrors, eye-catching color contrasts and cloud soft mattresses in every room. Some of New York's best value accommodation is also available, and you can pummel punch bags, splash around in rooftop pools, or lean back on stylish Barcelona Chairs, at one of the borough's affordable mid-range options. Motels and hostels can also offer inexpensive beds for the night, with in-room televisions often provided.

Where to stay

Be part of the crowd's frenzy as the Brooklyn Nets rattle another shot through the hoop by staying close to the Barclays Center. The basketball and concert arena is located in Prospects Heights, which is a friendly - well-connected - neighborhood. The area surrounding Prospects Park is another option – stay here to see for yourself why the park's designers, Olmsted and Vaux, actually preferred Prospects Park to their other famous creation, Manhattan's Central Park. The Fort Greene neighborhood, meanwhile, is dripping with culture and sophistication as the home of the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

How to get to Brooklyn

Arriving in Brooklyn is simple thanks to the gargantuan John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which is located in neighboring Queens. The AirTrain provides a simple way to link up with the city's subway system, and Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue station serves as the borough's main hub. The majority of the 18 subway lines that serve Brooklyn converge here, before snaking out to all corners of Brooklyn and beyond.